The Colonial Theater closed in 1969 and is now in such bad shape that some people have called it a dangerous eyesore that should be torn down, but some want to turn it into a downtown cultural center.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Augusta business and cultural leaders are looking for input on the future of the dilapidated Colonial Theater.

The Augusta Downtown Alliance and the nonprofit that owns the facility are holding a public meeting on Thursday to discuss the century-old theater that has fallen into disrepair since it closed in 1969.

The theater that opened in 1913 has hosted live entertainment on its stage and served as a cinema. But it closed in 1969 and is now in such bad shape that some people have called it a dangerous eyesore that should be torn down.

Advocates tell the Kennebec Journal it could be converted into a valuable cultural center that could draw people downtown.